Low dose aspirin
How to take aspirin
Your pharmacist or doctor can tell you how often to take your aspirin and how much you should take. You can also check the recommendations in the leaflet that comes with your medicine.
Generally speaking:
- high-dose aspirin (to relive pain) can be taken three or four times a day, with at least four hours between each dose, until your symptoms improve
- low-dose aspirin (to prevent blood clots) is taken once a day, usually for the rest of your life
Some medicine leaflets advise taking aspirin with water, while others may recommend takingit before or after food.
Follow the instructions in the leaflet or label that comes with your medicine. Ask your pharmacist if you're not sure.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Introduction
Find out about aspirin, including what it's used for, who can take it, and what the main side effects are.
Uses for aspirin
At high doses usually 300mgaspirin can relieve pain, reducea high temperature (fever) and reduce swelling. It's often usedfor short-term relief from: Headaches and migraines toothache period
Who can and can't take aspirin
Most people can take aspirin safely. But you should get advice from a pharmacist or doctor before taking it if you: have had an allergic reaction to aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
How to take aspirin
Your pharmacist or doctor can tell you how often to take your aspirin and how much you should take. You can also check the recommendations in the leaflet that comes with your medicine. Generally spea
Side effects of aspirin
Like all medications, there's a risk of side effects from aspirin. The most common side effectsare: indigestion and stomach aches taking your medicine with food may help reduce this risk bleedin
Interactions with other medicines, food and alcohol
Aspirin can potentially interact withother medications, including some complementary and herbal medicines , which could alter their effects or increase your risk of side effects. Medicines that can i
Missed or extra doses
If you're takingaspirin to reduce your risk of blood clots and youforget to takea dose, take that dose as soon as you remember and then continue to take your course of aspirin as normal. If it's almo
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